Angela Smith: Leading Gun Barrel City Towards a Bright Future

Gun Barrel City, Texas, is poised for an exciting future under the leadership of its new City Manager and Executive Director of the Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation, Angela (Angie) Smith. Dr. Smith brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community development to this critical role. "The people of Gun Barrel City are truly the heart and soul of this community. Their genuine warmth and strong sense of pride are truly inspiring. I'm incredibly impressed by their dedication to their hometown and commitment to building a vibrant future for generations. I'm eager to get to know them better, understand their needs and aspirations, and work alongside them to create a city that reflects its residents' unique spirit and potential,” Smith says.

A Seasoned Leader with a Vision

Dr. Smith boasts an impressive 20-year career in local government, most recently serving as the Deputy City Manager in Rowlett, Texas. Throughout her tenure, she held various positions, including Parks and Recreation Director and Chief of Staff, gaining invaluable experience in diverse aspects of municipal governance. With a Ph.D. in Business Administration, her leadership skills encompass all areas of city operations, making her well-equipped to guide Gun Barrel City toward its full potential.

Committed to Service and Collaboration

Ms. Smith's dedication to public service is evident in her commitment to understanding residents' and businesses' needs and interests. She believes in fostering a positive, transparent, and supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Her collaborative approach prioritizes partnering with the City Council, employees, residents and business owners to harness the collective energy and vision of the community.

A Passion for Innovation and Progress

Ms. Smith is a strong advocate for embracing innovation. While in Rowlett, she championed improved service delivery by identifying challenges and implementing creative solutions. Her leadership fostered a culture of continuous improvement, including system evaluations, process enhancements, and strategic organizational transformation. This dedication to progress bodes well for Gun Barrel City's future as Ms. Smith spearheads initiatives to drive growth and development. Smith states, "At Gun Barrel City EDC, my primary objective is to foster a thriving business environment that empowers our local entrepreneurs and attracts new businesses to our city. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, we aim to provide the resources and support necessary for businesses to flourish. We will prioritize initiatives that enhance Gun Barrel City's economic vitality and create a sustainable future for our community.”

An Investment in the Future

Ms. Smith's academic credentials further solidify her qualifications. She holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Texas-Tyler and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge demonstrates her unwavering commitment to professional development and her desire to stay at the forefront of contemporary leadership practices.

Mayor (Pro-Tem) Rita Evans echoes the community's enthusiasm: "I am thrilled to welcome Angela Smith to Gun Barrel City... Ms. Smith brings a passion for understanding the residents' and businesses' needs and interests and the ability to meet such needs with innovative services that promote participation in a healthy, two-way governmental experience."

With Ms. Smith at the helm, Gun Barrel City is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and prosperity. Her leadership, collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation offer a compelling framework for building a brighter future for the city and its residents.